Dear Reader,

SJP fans, look sharp. New York's sassiest star is on the front cover of our first issue of the year, published today. She's a huge fan of London, but did you know that she first came here aged 11, when she won a part in a Harold Pinter Play. Growing up with eight siblings in Nelsonville, Ohio, her family often struggled financially and she once described her upbringing as 'Dickensian' in parts. Not so in London; she told me she stayed right around the corner from Buckingham Palace in the same building where Peter Sellars lived and where 'the prince and princess of Abu Dhabi each had a Rolls-Royce parked outside – pink and baby blue'. She was back in London most recently as a Booker Prize judge and got to meet the Queen for real. For now though, she's adding to her portfolio career the title of creative director of a lab diamond brand. Talented lady. Read all about it here and don't forget to pick up your new issue, on the newsstands from next Wednesday, or buy a copy here.

Lucy Cleland
Editorial Director

Staying In

Watch Under Salt Marsh

A thrilling new drama premieres on Sky Atlantic tonight at 9pm – and it’s a double bill. Beautifully backdropped by Wales, Under Salt Marsh centres on the tight-knit coastal community of Morfa Halen, which is fractured when a child’s body is discovered, drowned. Led by Yellowstone star Kelly Reilly as detective-turned-teacher Jackie, it brings up buried memories of another mysterious, unsolved death three years prior – the same case that cost Jackie her career. Naturally she begins her own investigation, butting heads with the official case led by her former colleague Detective Eric Bull (Rafe Spall). He brings outsider Detective Jess Deng (Naomi Yang) along with him – and both struggle to penetrate the emotional barricades the people of Morfa Halen have built up around them.

‘The race to find out the truth within this close-knit community is threatened by a once in a generation storm and secrets that have been buried come to the surface,’ Naomi tells us, adding that watching Twin Peaks helped her connect with the ‘idea of observation and feeling of intrusiveness when you come into a community as an outsider’. Filmed across Gwynedd and on Anglesey in 2025, this ‘definitely added to the eeriness of being in quite a secluded town in North Wales, far away from home, during the winter months,’ Naomi adds, having relocated to the fringes of the Eryri National Park for the duration of the shoot. First two episodes available on nowtv.com

Catch up on Bridgerton gossip

Already binged your way through the latest installment of Bridgerton? Fear not, gentle reader – or should we say, listener – there’s plenty more to come from the ton. Netflix and Shondaland are bringing back Bridgerton: The Official Podcast for another round of behind-the-scenes insights into the Bridgerverse. Coming just in time for the series’ fourth outing, the six-episode podcast offers a deep dive into the world of Bridgerton, spotlighting its new leads Luke Thompson and Yerin Ha alongside the ever-evolving arcs of other returning characters. And the best part? It’s hosted by devoted Bridgerton fan and national television treasure, Alison Hammond. Listen (and most likely laugh) along with Hammond as she digs into the details of the show alongside its beloved cast. The first episode is out now. Available on podcasting platforms, and on YouTube

Find travel inspiration in our new issue

January is the month when so many of us decide on our travel plans for the year, but has it ever felt so complicated, so charged? Our annual Escape issue is here to help you navigate these shifting sands. Take inspiration from tracking snow leopards in Mongolia and a WiFi-free trip to the edge of the world to an investigation of Iceland, the world’s most gender-equal country. We also bring you this year’s top ten global hotel openings and a guide to the Maldives, to help find the right pearl-drop island for you. Of course the Jan/Feb issue isn’t solely devoted to travel: alongside our SJP interview there’s what makes Beverley Knight boil over, how Robert de Niro is bringing Barbuda back into focus plus all the latest hot tickets (Cynthia Erivo, Tracey Emin, Francis Spufford), interiors (from Luke Edward Hall to Kelly Hoppen), new-season style and tempting restaurant openings and foodie tidbits. Kick back and enjoy!

Going Out

Book a trip to Park City, Utah

Coolcations and summer alpine escapes are on the rise in Europe – but we’ve found the perfect little-something-different Stateside. Located in the Wasatch Mountains just a 35-minute drive from Salt Lake City International Airport (with direct flights from London Heathrow), Park City is one of the most accessible mountain towns in the US – and also one of the most forward-thinking when it comes to nature and outdoor life. A well-known ski destination, as winter loosens and the snow melts into green valleys, the mountains transform into a lush escape that rewards those who stick around. More than 700 km of hiking and biking trails run throughout the mountains and valleys, while festivals, outdoor concerts, and farmers’ markets fill the sunlit days. There’s also whiskey tasting, a thriving food scene, plenty of stellar accommodation options and outdoor activities galore from ziplines to horse riding. Find out more here. 

Start planning your perfect escape to Park City at visitparkcity.com

Break Dry Jan in style

If you’ve successfully gone a whole month without booze, no doubt you’re ready for a drink this weekend - so ensure that first sip tastes extra special by heading to one of London’s finest bars. Hotel bars always feel glamorous: could now be the time to try one of The Connaught’s ceremoniously stirred martinis? Or perhaps you’re a fan of tequila, in which case we’d recommend Notting Hill’s subterranean hotspot Viajante 87 for an excellent spicy margarita. For skyline views and vibrant interiors there’s Flute at Broadwick Soho, which serves cocktails inspired by films shot in Soho – Night And The City, for instance, is a blend of Sauvelle vodka, lemongrass and pink grapefruit. If a wine bar is more your vibe, try Trullo’s not-so-secret spot in Islington or La Compagnie in Neal's Yard, which spotlights small producers.

Shop at the Salad Days sample sale

Boutique market organiser Salad Days is back with a bang this year – stepping into 2026 with a major sample sale running this weekend. Lined with 35 small businesses from all over the UK, the market will specialise in one-of-a-kind samples, with categories spanning art, jewellery, ceramics, fashion, bags, scrunchies, homeware, prints, fashion, accessories, bag charms and more. Every item is discounted by at least 20 percent – with the highest discounts soaring to 80 percent off. Guilt-free shopping starts here. For more details, and info on all the other pop-ups coming to London this weekend, see our guide here. 31 January & 1 February, saladdaysmarket.co.uk

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Three of the Best…

Theatre Shows To Book Now

Into The Woods, Bridge Theatre

‘If you go down to the woods today… you’re sure of a great night out. I’m not a slave to Sondheim (sacrilege) and of his canon, this is my least favourite – but this production at the Bridge Theatre bears all the hallmarks of Fiddler on the Roof director Jordan Fein (pace, humour, precision casting, a side of queer) and his partner costume/set designer Tom Scutt (his gruesome witch with shrivelled boobs hanging out and a balding head in contrast to his woods abundant with ferns and huge mossy trees). I could have skipped the second half (booming giant; attempt at moralising) but the two amorous princes were priceless and the entranced audience leapt to its feet as the curtain fell. A shoo in for Olivier nominations surely.’ Until 30 May, bridgetheatre.co.uk

Lucinda Baring, Deputy Editor

Inala, House of Sisters Grimm

‘Inala is rooted in Zulu storytelling traditions, and it cleverly fuses incredible vocals and percussive movement into something that’s both transportive and intimate. It’s so good because you feel like you're part of the cast and its energy is so pure – bold, joyful and full of heart. It left me buzzing long after it ended.’ Until 4 April, houseofsistersgrimm.com

Bandi Manzini, Head of Beauty Advertising

All My Sons, Wyndhams Theatre

‘If you’re looking for a light night out, look elsewhere. But if you want a theatrical gut punch I recommend booking to see the revival of Arthur Miller's All My Sons at Wyndhams Theatre. It is two intense hours of secrets and lies – and you also get to see Bryan Cranston basically playing his Breaking Bad character live on stage!’ Until 7 March, wyndhamstheatre.co.uk

Josie Williamson, Senior Event Manager

Staying in Forever…

Property Of The Week

In case this 17th century mansion looks familiar, you well may have seen it before – when it starred as M’s office in Live and Let Die and The Man with the Golden Gun. This historic Grade I listed 12-bedroom mega-mansion is set within 43 acres of parkland just 30 minutes outside of London. Short of marrying into the royal family, this gilded country estate is the closest thing you’ll get to a London palace. Snatch it up quick before the guide price soars back up to its 2023 estimate of £75m.

On the market for £45m. knightfrank.co.uk

Competition Time

Win an overnight stay for two guests at Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London

Win a countryside escape to rural West Sussex, staying at The Horse & Groom

Win a £3m Buckinghamshire dream home

Psssst…

Today is National Croissant Day – the perfect excuse to treat yourself to a buttery pastry. Here’s where you’ll find London’s best, from Bloomsbury’s Fortitude Bakehouse to Paris-born Poilâne in Belgravia.

The Full Story

‘I Tried Brain Stimulation… & It Worked’

C&TH’s beauty director Nathalie Eleni reset her nervous system with Exomind

As a mum of two navigating ADHD, a divorce and an unstructured freelance work life, a cat, a dog with attachment issues and a tank of high-maintenance fish, it’s no wonder my nervous system is already halfway up the road before I’ve even got my shoes on.

I’ve been pretty forward-thinking about mental health from a young age, and over the years I’ve tried everything from face tapping and ear seeding. But with an already very full schedule over recent years, anything ‘longer term’ needs to be a low maintenance option that easily slots into my life so it doesn’t turn into yet another task that threatens to tip me over the edge.

So when Dr Marwa, aesthetic doctor at Harrods Wellness Clinic, and a trusted friend, invited me to try the latest wellness innovation promising to support sleep, mental health and gently retune the nervous system in six 30-minute sessions (all while lying down), I jumped at the chance. 

The Experience

I have known Dr Marwa for years; she’s both clinically brilliant and genuinely soothing to be around. Walking into Harrods always feels like a treat, and the calming, luxurious, spacious sanctuary of Harrods Wellness is definitely the perfect place to begin any wellbeing ritual.

The treatment rooms are clinical but cocoon-like, instantly signalling that it’s safe to relax before anything even begins.

The ExoMind device has a distinctly sci-fi feel, and when I watched the videos back of my treatment, I couldn’t help but laugh as I looked as though I were reclining in an Avatar capsule, attempting contact with UFOs (which actually wouldn’t surprise anyone who knows me).

A lightweight headpiece is fitted gently across the scalp and, once switched on, creates a pattern of light tapping sensations, almost like a fingertip rhythm on the left side of the head. There’s no pain, no pressure, just a delicate, consistent pulse that quickly becomes soothing. For around 30 minutes, the device delivers these soft taps, interacting with areas of the mind linked to emotional balance, concentration and mental resilience. It’s subtle, non-invasive and completely painless, like a power nap for your nervous system.

With the added touches of the soft lighting of a starry ceiling projection and relaxing music playing, it was almost impossible not to switch off. I even nodded off a few times during the session.

The Results

ExoMind is designed as a six-session course, but I started noticing shifts by session three. Coincidental or not, I suddenly found myself meal-prepping, organising my diary and finally tackling the invoices I’d been avoiding for weeks. By session six, I felt calmer and clearer. And whether that was ExoMind or pure timing, the fact I booked a top-up session immediately and have actually stuck to the follow-up treatments, plus will continue to (once a month or every other month), says a lot for me. Also beauty editor friends of mine who tried it reported sleeping better after their sessions, and one even said she believes it helped to reset her mind after a traumatic relationship breakup.

C&TH Key Notes

• Tweakment: ExoMind Sensory Neuromodulation

• Expert & Clinic: Dr Marwa, Harrods Wellness Clinic

• Downtime: None

• Best for: Stress, overwhelm, nervous system regulation, mental clarity

• Cost: £600 per session

• Contact: Dr Marwa Harrods Wellness Clinic

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